Staple cartridge

ABSTRACT

A tool assembly for use with a surgical stapling device includes structure on an anvil assembly and/or a cartridge assembly to obstruct blood from flowing through spaces in a staple line as the staple line is being formed by the stapling device. In aspects of the disclosure, the tool assembly includes protrusions to compress tissue adjacent to spaces in the staple line as the staple line is being formed and tissue is being cut.

FIELD

This disclosure is generally related to surgical stapling devices and, more particularly, to tool assemblies for reducing blood leakage for use with surgical stapling devices.

BACKGROUND

Surgical stapling devices for stapling tissue during a surgical procedure are well known. Such devices allow a clinician to suture tissue more quickly than traditional suturing techniques to shorten the length of the surgical procedure and minimize patient trauma. During a stapling procedure, a staple line is formed at a surgical site. Bleeding at the surgical site through the staple line is common and may lead to hematoma and infection which may cause significant discomfort to the patient.

A continuing need exists in the art for a surgical stapling device that includes a tool assembly that forms a staple line that minimizes bleeding at the surgical site.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a tool assembly including an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly includes an anvil having an outer periphery and an anvil surface. The anvil surface defines a first knife slot and a plurality of rows of staple deforming pockets positioned on each side of the knife slot. The plurality of rows of staple deforming pockets includes inner rows of staple deforming pockets positioned adjacent to the first knife slot and outer rows of staple deforming pockets. The staple deforming pockets in the outer rows of staple deforming pockets are longitudinally aligned and spaced from each other to define first spaces between the staple deforming pockets. The anvil surface includes rows of first protrusions positioned along the outer periphery of the anvil adjacent to the outer rows of staple deforming pockets. The first protrusions are longitudinally aligned with the first spaces define between the staple deforming pockets in the outer rows of staple deforming pockets. The cartridge assembly is coupled to the anvil assembly such that the tool assembly is movable between an open position and a clamped position. The cartridge assembly has an outer periphery and includes a cartridge channel and a staple cartridge supported within the cartridge channel The staple cartridge defines a second knife slot and a plurality of rows of staple receiving pockets. The plurality of rows of staple receiving pockets includes inner rows of staple receiving pockets positioned adjacent to the second knife slot and outer rows of staple receiving pockets. The staple receiving pockets in the outer rows of staple deforming pockets are longitudinally aligned and spaced from each other to define second spaces between the staple receiving pockets. The staple cartridge includes rows of second protrusions positioned along the outer periphery of the staple cartridge adjacent to the outer rows of staple receiving pockets. The second protrusions are longitudinally aligned with the second spaces between the staple receiving pockets in the outer rows of staple receiving pockets.

Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a surgical stapling device including an elongate body and a tool assembly. The elongate body has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The tool assembly is supported on the distal portion of the elongate body and includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly includes an anvil having an outer periphery and an anvil surface. The anvil surface defines a first knife slot and a plurality of rows of staple deforming pockets positioned on each side of the knife slot. The plurality of rows of staple deforming pockets includes inner rows of staple deforming pockets positioned adjacent to the first knife slot and outer rows of staple deforming pockets. The staple deforming pockets in the outer rows of staple deforming pockets are longitudinally aligned and spaced from each other to define first spaces between the staple deforming pockets. The anvil surface includes rows of first protrusions positioned along the outer periphery of the anvil adjacent to the outer rows of staple deforming pockets. The first protrusions are longitudinally aligned with the first spaces define between the staple deforming pockets in the outer rows of staple deforming pockets. The cartridge assembly is coupled to the anvil assembly such that the tool assembly is movable between an open position and a clamped position. The cartridge assembly has an outer periphery and includes a cartridge channel and a staple cartridge supported within the cartridge channel. The staple cartridge defines a second knife slot and a plurality of rows of staple receiving pockets. The plurality of rows of staple receiving pockets includes inner rows of staple receiving pockets positioned adjacent to the second knife slot and outer rows of staple receiving pockets. The staple receiving pockets in the outer rows of staple deforming pockets are longitudinally aligned and spaced from each other to define second spaces between the staple receiving pockets. The staple cartridge includes rows of second protrusions positioned along the outer periphery of the staple cartridge adjacent to the outer rows of staple receiving pockets. The second protrusions are longitudinally aligned with the second spaces between the staple receiving pockets in the outer rows of staple receiving pockets.

Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to an anvil assembly including an anvil having an outer periphery and an anvil surface. The anvil surface defines a first knife slot and a plurality of rows of staple deforming pockets positioned on each side of the knife slot. The plurality of rows of staple deforming pockets includes inner rows of staple deforming pockets positioned adjacent to the first knife slot and outer rows of staple deforming pockets. The staple deforming pockets in the outer rows of staple deforming pockets are longitudinally aligned and spaced from each other to define first spaces between the staple deforming pockets. The anvil surface includes rows of first protrusions positioned along the outer periphery of the anvil adjacent to the outer rows of staple deforming pockets. The first protrusions are longitudinally aligned with the first spaces define between the staple deforming pockets in the outer rows of staple deforming pockets.

In aspects of the disclosure, the rows of second protrusions are formed on the cartridge channel.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the rows of second protrusions are formed on the staple cartridge.

In certain aspects of the disclosure, each of the first protrusions is in juxtaposed alignment with a respective second protrusion when the tool assembly is in the clamped position.

In aspects of the disclosure, the anvil assembly supports a first buttress material.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the cartridge assembly supports a second buttress material.

In certain aspects of the disclosure, the plurality of rows of staple deforming pockets includes three rows of staple deforming pockets having a middle row of staple deforming pockets.

In aspects of the disclosure, the inner and outer rows of staple deforming pockets are longitudinally aligned with each other and longitudinally offset from the middle rows of staple deforming pockets.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the plurality of rows of staple receiving pockets includes three rows of staple receiving pockets having a middle row of staple receiving pockets. In certain aspects of the disclosure, the inner and outer rows of staple receiving pockets are longitudinally aligned with each other and longitudinally offset from the middle rows of staple receiving pockets.

In aspects of the disclosure, the stapling device includes a handle assembly and the proximal portion of the elongate body is coupled to the handle assembly.

Other features of the disclosure will be appreciated from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the disclosed tool assembly are described herein below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a surgical stapling device including a tool assembly having a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly including aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the tool assembly of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 in a clamped position;

FIG. 3A is a top view of the anvil assembly of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 1 with a buttress material separated from an anvil of the tool assembly;

FIG. 3B is a top view of the staple cartridge of the cartridge assembly of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 1 with a buttress material of the tool assembly separated from the staple cartridge of the tool assembly;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of tissue with staples formed in tissue with a buttress material attached to the tissue; and

FIG. 6 is a top view of the tissue and buttress material shown in FIG. 5 with the staples formed in the tissue.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed tool assembly for use with a surgical stapling device will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it is to be understood that the aspects of the disclosure are merely exemplary of the disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. In addition, directional terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, top, bottom, distal, proximal, and similar terms are used to assist in understanding the description and are not intended to limit the disclosure.

In this description, the term “proximal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is closer to a clinician, while the term “distal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is farther from the clinician. In addition, the term “endoscopic” is used generally used to refer to endoscopic, laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and/or any other procedure conducted through a small diameter incision or cannula. Further, the term “clinician” is used generally to refer to medical personnel including doctors, nurses, and support personnel.

Aspects of this disclosure are directed to a tool assembly for use with a surgical stapling device that includes a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly that are movable in relation to each other between open and clamped positions. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge channel and a staple cartridge that is received within the cartridge channel. The staple cartridge defines a central knife slot and rows of longitudinally aligned staple receiving pockets positioned on opposite sides of the central knife slot. The anvil includes rows of staple deforming pockets that are aligned with the rows staple receiving pockets in the staple cartridge when the tool assembly is in the clamped position. The staple deforming pockets are configured to deform staples ejected from the staple receiving pockets of the staple cartridge when the tool assembly is fired. In aspects of the disclosure, protrusions or teeth are positioned on an outer periphery of the cartridge channel and the anvil adjacent the outermost rows of staples in gaps between the staples to obstruct blood flow through the outermost rows of staples during cutting and firing of the tissue.

FIG. 1 illustrates the disclosed surgical stapling device shown generally as stapling device 10 which includes a handle assembly 12, an elongate body 14 defining a longitudinal axis “X”, and a tool assembly 100 including aspects of the disclosure. Although not described in detail herein, the tool assembly 100 can form part of a reload assembly 16 that includes a proximal body portion 16 a and the tool assembly 100. The proximal body portion 16 a of the reload assembly 16 is releasably coupled to, and forms an extension of, the elongate body 14. Alternately, the tool assembly 100 can be fixedly secured to a distal portion of the elongate body 14.

The handle assembly 12 includes a body 18 that defines hand grip 18 a, a plurality of actuator buttons 20, and a rotation knob 22. The rotation knob 22 is rotatably supported on a distal portion of the body 18 of the handle assembly 12 and supports the elongate body 14. The rotation knob 22 can be rotated about the longitudinal axis “X” of the elongate body 14 to effect rotation of the elongate body 14 and the tool assembly 100 in relation to the handle assembly 12. The actuator buttons 20 control operation of the various functions of the stapling device 10 including approximation, firing and cutting. Although the stapling device 10 is illustrated as an electrically powered stapling device, it is envisioned that the disclosed tool assembly 100 would also be suitable for use with a manually powered surgical stapling device. U.S. Pat. No. 9,055,943 (the '943 Patent) discloses a surgical stapling device including a powered handle assembly and U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,139 (the '139 Patent) discloses a manually actuated handle assembly. For a more detailed description of an exemplary handle assembly and elongate body of a stapling device, see, e.g., the '943 and '139 Patents.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the tool assembly 100 of the stapling device 10. The tool assembly 100 defines a longitudinal axis “Y” and includes an anvil assembly 112 and a cartridge assembly 114. The anvil assembly 112 and the cartridge assembly 114 are movable in relation to each other between an open or unclamped position (FIG. 2) and a clamped position.

FIGS. 2-3A illustrate the anvil assembly 112 which includes an anvil 116 and, in some instances, a buttress material 118. The anvil 116 includes an anvil surface 120 (FIG. 3A) that defines a central knife slot 122 and rows of staple deforming pockets 124 on each side of the knife slot 122. In aspects of the disclosure, the rows of staple deforming pockets 124 on each side of the knife slot 122 includes an inner row of staple deforming pockets 130, a middle row 132 of staple deforming pockets 124, and an outer row of staple deforming pockets 134. The inner rows 130 of staple deforming pockets 124 are positioned adjacent and along opposite sides of the knife slot 122. In aspects of the disclosure, the staple deforming pockets 124 in the inner rows 130 and outer rows 134 of staple deforming pockets 124 are longitudinally aligned with each other and longitudinally offset from the staple deforming pockets 124 in the middle rows 132 of staple deforming pockets 124. The buttress material 118 is secured to the anvil surface 118 over the staple deforming pockets 124 and provides reinforcement to tissue “T” (FIG. 5) when the staples 138 are formed in the tissue “T”. The buttress material 118 can be secured to the anvil 116 using a variety of different known securement techniques.

In aspects of the disclosure, the anvil 116 includes rows of protrusions 140 that are positioned on the outer periphery of the anvil 116 adjacent to the outer rows 134 of staple deforming pockets 124. The protrusions 140 extend from and protrude beyond the anvil surface 120 towards the cartridge assembly 114. In aspects of the disclosure, the protrusions 140 are positioned between spaces “S” defined between adjacent staple deforming pockets 130 in the outer rows 134 of staple deforming pockets 124. In some aspects of the disclosure, the protrusions 140 have a rectangular configuration, although other configurations are envisioned. In other aspects of the disclosure, each of the protrusions 140 has a flat or blunt tissue engagement surface 140 a.

FIGS. 3 and 3B illustrate the cartridge assembly 114 which includes a cartridge channel 150 and a staple cartridge 152. The cartridge channel 150 receives and supports the staple cartridge 152. In aspects of the disclosure, the staple cartridge 152 can be removed from the cartridge channel 150 and replaced to facilitate reuse of the stapling device 10. In other aspects of the disclosure, the staple cartridge 152 is fixedly secured within the cartridge channel 150 and the reload assembly 16 can be removed from the stapling device 10 and replaced to facilitate reuse of the stapling device 10.

The staple cartridge 152 includes a cartridge body 160 that defines a central knife slot 162 and a plurality of staple receiving pockets 164. In aspects of the disclosure, the staple receiving pockets 164 are aligned in three rows (FIG. 3B) on each side of the central knife slot 162 including an inner row 170, a middle row 172, and an outer row 174. Each of the staple receiving pockets 142 supports a staple 138 (FIG. 5).

The inner rows 170 of staple receiving pockets 164 are positioned adjacent and along opposite sides of the knife slot 162. In aspects of the disclosure, the staple receiving pockets 164 in the inner rows 170 and outer rows 174 of staple receiving pockets 164 are longitudinally aligned with each other and longitudinally offset from the staple receiving pockets 164 in the middle rows 172 of staple receiving pockets 164. In the clamped position of the tool assembly 100, each of the staple receiving pockets 164 of the staple cartridge 152 is aligned with a respective staple deforming pocket 124 of the anvil 116.

The cartridge assembly 114 also, in some instances, includes a buttress material 118 a that is secured to the staple cartridge 152 over the staple receiving pockets 164. As described above in regard to the buttress material 118, the buttress material 118 a provides reinforcement to tissue “T” (FIG. 5) when the staples 138 are formed in the tissue “T”. The buttress material 118 can be secured to the cartridge assembly 114 using a variety of different known securement techniques.

In aspects of the disclosure, the cartridge channel 150 includes rows of protrusions 180 that are positioned on the outer periphery of the cartridge channel 150 adjacent to the outer rows 174 of staple receiving pockets 164. The protrusions 180 extend outwardly from the staple cartridge 152 towards the anvil assembly 112. In aspects of the disclosure, the protrusions 180 are positioned between spaces “S1” defined between adjacent staple receiving pockets 164 in the outer rows 174 of staple deforming pockets 124. The protrusions 180 on the cartridge channel 150 are aligned with the protrusions 140 on the anvil 116 when the tool assembly 100 is in the clamped positon (FIG. 4). In some aspects of the disclosure, the protrusions 180 have a rectangular configuration, although other configurations are envisioned. In other aspects of the disclosure, each of the protrusions 180 has a flat or blunt tissue engagement surface 180 a.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the staples 138 applied to tissue “T” through the buttress materials 118 and 118 a. When the tool assembly 100 is moved to the clamped position, the protrusions 140 on the anvil 116 move into close approximation with the protrusions 180 on the cartridge channel 150 to compress tissue “T” positioned between the anvil assembly 112 and the cartridge assembly 114 at gap locations “G”. When the tool assembly 100 is subsequently fired and the tissue “T” is cut, blood flow from the organ side “OS” of the tissue “T”, i.e, the side of the tissue “T” that communicates with a body organ, is obstructed from flowing directly through the gap locations “G” into the spaces “S” and “S1” (FIG. 5) defined between the outer rows of staples 138. As such, blood is forced to flow through a serpentine pattern in the direction of arrow “A” in FIG. 6 to minimize blood leakage through the rows of staples 130.

It is envisioned that the anvil assembly may include two or more rows of staple deforming pockets and the staple cartridge may include two or more staple receiving pockets. It is also envisioned that the protrusions on the cartridge assembly need not be formed on the cartridge channel but could be formed on the staple cartridge (FIG. 3B). Further, it is envisioned that the protrusions need only be formed on one of the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary aspects of the disclosure. It is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and features of another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the disclosure based on the above-described aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tool assembly comprising: an anvil assembly defining a first longitudinal axis and including an anvil having an outer periphery and an anvil surface, the anvil surface defining a first knife slot and a plurality of rows of staple deforming pockets positioned on each side of the knife slot, the plurality of rows of staple deforming pockets including inner rows of staple deforming pockets positioned adjacent to the first knife slot and outer rows of staple deforming pockets, the staple deforming pockets in the outer rows of staple deforming pockets being longitudinally aligned and spaced from each other to define first spaces between the staple deforming pockets, the anvil surface including rows of first protrusions positioned along the outer periphery of the anvil adjacent the outer rows of staple deforming pockets, the first protrusions being aligned with the first spaces along an axis transverse to the first longitudinal axis; and a cartridge assembly defining a second longitudinal axis and coupled to the anvil assembly such that the tool assembly is movable between an open position and a clamped position, the cartridge assembly having an outer periphery and including a cartridge channel and a staple cartridge supported within the cartridge channel, the staple cartridge defining a second knife slot and a plurality of rows of staple receiving pockets, the plurality of rows of staple receiving pockets including inner rows of staple receiving pockets positioned adjacent to the second knife slot and outer rows of staple receiving pockets, the staple receiving pockets in the outer rows of staple deforming pockets being longitudinally aligned and spaced from each other to define second spaces between the staple receiving pockets, the staple cartridge including rows of second protrusions positioned along the outer periphery of the staple cartridge adjacent the outer rows of staple receiving pockets, the second protrusions being aligned with the second spaces along an axis transverse to the second longitudinal axis; wherein each of the first and second protrusions has a rectangular configuration.
 2. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein the rows of second protrusions are formed on the cartridge channel.
 3. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first protrusions is in juxtaposed alignment with a respective second protrusion when the tool assembly is in the clamped position.
 4. The tool assembly of claim 3, wherein each of the first and second protrusions have a flat tissue engagement surface.
 5. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein the anvil assembly supports a first buttress material.
 6. The tool assembly of claim 5, wherein the cartridge assembly supports a second buttress material.
 7. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rows of staple deforming pockets includes three rows of staple deforming pockets including a middle row of staple deforming pockets.
 8. The tool assembly of claim 7, wherein the inner and outer rows of staple deforming pockets are longitudinally aligned with each other and longitudinally offset from the middle rows of staple deforming pockets.
 9. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rows of staple receiving pockets includes three rows of staple receiving pockets including a middle row of staple receiving pockets.
 10. The tool assembly of claim 9, wherein the inner and outer rows of staple receiving pockets are longitudinally aligned with each other and longitudinally offset from the middle rows of staple receiving pockets.
 11. The tool assembly of claim 9, wherein the inner and outer rows of staple receiving pockets and staple deforming pockets are longitudinally aligned with each other and longitudinally offset from the middle rows of staple receiving pockets and staple deforming pockets when the tool assembly is in the clamped position.
 12. A surgical stapling device comprising: an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion; and a tool assembly supported on the distal portion of the elongate body, the tool assembly including: an anvil assembly defining a first longitudinal axis and including an anvil having an outer periphery and an anvil surface, the anvil surface defining a first knife slot and a plurality of rows of staple deforming pockets positioned on each side of the knife slot, the plurality of rows of staple deforming pockets including inner rows of staple deforming pockets positioned adjacent to the first knife slot and outer rows of staple deforming pockets, the staple deforming pockets in the outer rows of staple deforming pockets being longitudinally aligned and spaced from each other to define first spaces between the staple deforming pockets, the anvil surface including rows of first protrusions positioned along the outer periphery of the anvil adjacent to the outer rows of staple deforming pockets, the first protrusions being aligned with the first spaces along an axis transverse to the first longitudinal axis; and a cartridge assembly defining a second longitudinal axis and coupled to the anvil assembly such that the tool assembly is movable between an open position and a clamped position, the cartridge assembly having an outer periphery and including a cartridge channel and a staple cartridge supported within the cartridge channel, the staple cartridge defining a second knife slot and a plurality of rows of staple receiving pockets, the plurality of rows of staple receiving pockets including inner rows of staple receiving pockets positioned adjacent to the second knife slot and outer rows of staple receiving pockets, the staple receiving pockets in the outer rows of staple deforming pockets being aligned and spaced from each other to define second spaces between the staple receiving pockets, the staple cartridge including rows of second protrusions positioned along the outer periphery of the staple cartridge adjacent to the outer rows of staple receiving pockets, the second protrusions being aligned with the second spaces along an axis transverse to the second longitudinal axis; wherein each of the first and second protrusions has a rectangular configuration.
 13. The stapling device of claim 12, further including a handle assembly, the proximal portion of the elongate body coupled to the handle assembly.
 14. The stapling device of claim 12, wherein the rows of second protrusions are formed on the cartridge channel.
 15. The stapling device of claim 12, wherein each of the first protrusions is in juxtaposed alignment with a respective second protrusion when the tool assembly is in the clamped position.
 16. The stapling device of claim 15, wherein each of the first and second protrusions have a flat tissue engagement surface.
 17. The stapling device of claim 12, wherein the anvil assembly supports a first buttress material and the cartridge assembly supports a second buttress material.
 18. The stapling device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of rows of staple receiving pockets includes three rows of staple receiving pockets including a middle row of staple receiving pockets and the plurality of rows of staple deforming pockets includes three rows of staple deforming pockets including a middle row of staple deforming pockets.
 19. An anvil assembly comprising: an anvil defining a longitudinal axis and having an outer periphery and an anvil surface, the anvil surface defining a knife slot and a plurality of rows of staple deforming pockets positioned on each side of the knife slot, the plurality of rows of staple deforming pockets including inner rows of staple deforming pockets positioned adjacent to the knife slot and outer rows of staple deforming pockets, the staple deforming pockets in the outer rows of staple deforming pockets being longitudinally aligned and spaced from each other to define spaces between the staple deforming pockets, the anvil surface including rows of protrusions positioned along the outer periphery of the anvil adjacent to the outer rows of staple deforming pockets, the first protrusions being aligned with the first spaces along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis; wherein each of the protrusions has a rectangular configuration.
 20. The anvil assembly of claim 19, further including a buttress material supported on the anvil.
 21. The anvil assembly of claim 19, wherein each of the protrusions have a flat tissue engagement surface. 